Traditional Japanese musical instruments, known as wagakki (和楽器) in Japanese, are musical instruments used in the traditional folk music of Japan. They comprise a range of string, wind, and percussion instruments (from WIkipedia, the free encyclopedia).
Photo: Shakuhachi, Sanshin, Tsugaru-Shamisen (Tsugaru-Jamisen) – from left to right
Although traditional Japanese musical instruments, wagakki’s in short, are mainly used for Traditional Japanese Music, the application is not limited. They are used in Jazz, Rock, J-Pop, and other genres of music these days.
String
-
- Plucked
-
- Zither – Koto, etc.)
- Harps – Kuto (6th century), Taisho-Koto
- Lutes – Biwa
- Sanshin (16th century) – Lessons available
- Shamisen (16th century) – Lessons available
- Other – Gottan, Tonkori
-
- Bowed – Kokyu
- Plucked
Flute (Hue)
-
- Shakuhachi (16th century) – Lessons available
- Other – (8 or more kinds)
Percussion
-
- Taiko (big drum, 6th century)
- (20 or more kinds)
Reed
-
- Hichiriki (double-reeded flute)
- Sho, U (free-reed mouth organ)
Horns – Horagai (seashell horn)